Pride and Prejudice* (Sort of) at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh

When Isobel McArthur took up the challenge of adapting one of literature's best known classics, she certainly turned it on its head.

Describing Jane Austen as 'a riot', she goes on to say that Pride and Prejudice is one of the original rom-coms, 'full of hilarious, witty incisive satire about the utter ridiculousness of being human'.

Well, McArthur certainly brings all of that to the fore in this glorious romp which won her an Olivier in 2022 for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.

If last night's audience was anything to go by, Jane Austen's 19th century tale of Mrs Bennett and her attempts to get all five of her daughters married off, is already a firm hit with today's audiences as McArthur brings them kicking and screaming (literally) into the modern day, singing popular songs and holding balls featuring a glitter ball, Pringles and a pineapple hedgehog! I think there was even a reference to Colin Firth whose scene, emerging from a lake in the 1995 TV version, is still well remembered.

McArthur's adaptation is told through five servants who decide to have a bit of fun and re-enact the whole book, playing all of the characters themselves. It's very much an ensemble piece, which is why, perhaps, the characters aren't listed alongside the actors' names in the programme. I have a feeling they probably chop and change. So I can't really name any actor in particular in case I get her wrong, albeit to say that the actor playing both the cold and distant Darcy and Mrs Bennett, who reminded me of Nancy in Oliver!, did stand out.

If this is how we can introduce young generations to classic literature, bring it on.

Image: Mihaela Bodlovic

22 Apr-26 Apr 2025: Edinburgh Festival Theatre

29 Apr-03 May 2025: Aberdeen His Majesty's Theatre

06 May-10 May 2025: Marlowe Theatre

13 May-17 May 2025: Lichfield Garrick

19 May-24 May 2025: Watford Palace Theatre

26 May-31 May 2025: Leeds Grand Theatre

03 Jun-07 Jun 2025: Exeter Northcott Theatre

10 Jun-14 Jun 2025: Southampton Mayflower